The Dragon Queen Selection Chapter 9

LIRA

The next day, the Dragon Queen Selection continued without mercy. I barely had time to breathe. It was luncheon, then a meeting, then a party, then another dinner. The palace ran like a machine with no off switch. By the time I retired to my beds each night, I was too exhausted to think, much less dream.

Today was no different.

We were seated at yet another formal lunch, the long table dressed in golden linens and glinting cutlery. I sat at the far edge, hoping to be overlooked, already calculating how fast I could escape once it was over.

Then he walked in.

Crown Prince Cassian Valemont.

He moved with the kind of confidence only someone born into royalty, or madness, could pull off. He wore a black coat with gold embroidery, the very image of a storybook prince, though the devilish smirk on his lips warned he was anything but. His dark hair curled slightly at the ends, and his electric blue eyes sparked with something wild, something dangerous.

I hated that I noticed. Hated even more that every single girl around me seemed enchanted.

“Ladies,” he said, voice smooth as silk and arrogance, “I'm honoured to share this meal with you. Let's hope we don't bore each other too much.”

There were nervous giggles all around. I stared at my goblet.

Lady Calista Harthwell, ever the perfect picture of grace and ambition, spoke first. “Your Highness, the honor is entirely ours. The Dragon Queen Selection is a testament to your family's vision for Aurelia.”

Cassian’s lips twitched. “Vision, is it? That’s one way to put it.”

Laughter followed, polite, restrained, but hollow.

I thought maybe that would be the end of it, that we could eat in peace. I should’ve known better.

“I’ve had the privilege of meeting some of you,” Cassian said, his voice cutting through the room like a blade, “but I’d like everyone to introduce themselves again. It helps to know the names of those who’ll be vying for my affections.”

Groans were muffled. I tried not to show mine.

One by one, the girls introduced themselves. Calista, of course. Then Saphira, Amara, Vivienne, Cassandra Evernight, and Lenora. Each one more eager than the last.

Cassian, unfortunately, had something clever to say to each. I watched him work the room like a master, charming them with half smiles and well placed compliments.

“I happen to know some of you here,” he said as Amara finished introducing herself. “I went on a diplomatic trip with your brother once, Lady Amara.”

Her entire face lit up like a bonfire. “Yes! My brother told me all about it. He said a lot about you.”

“Good things, I hope?” Cassian said, amused.

I almost laughed. I remembered reading about that trip in the local broadsheets. If “drank himself into a ditch and nearly started a tavern brawl” counted as good, then sure, he was a hero.

Amara was practically glowing. “Oh, of course! He told me the most wonderful stories about your brave adventures.”

I could tell by the look in Cassian’s eye that he didn’t believe her for a second, but he let her have her moment.

“Interesting,” he said and gestured for the next girl to speak.

“Lady Isla Ravenshade, Your Highness,” said a small, dark-haired girl.

Cassian nodded, clearly pleased. “Ravenshade. I remember that name. Your family deals with gemstones, yes?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Our powers allow us to find their locations, we attract them.”

He gave her a smile. I’d already labelled it as his “pretending to care” smile. “Fascinating.”

The introductions dragged on. Selene, then Juliette, then Maris. Then Evadne Vexley, who made a point to mention that her father had once been carried by Cassian’s father’s dragon.

Cassian nodded like he vaguely recalled the tale, though I doubted he remembered anything beyond his next glass of wine.

Finally, it was my turn.

“Lady Lira Vale, Your Highness,” I said quietly but firmly.

His eyes landed on me then, really landed.

Lira. So now he had a name to match the face he hadn’t bothered to notice before.

He gave a slight nod, and I could see the flicker of curiosity in his gaze. The Vale family didn’t come to court. They didn’t write. They didn’t beg for favour. They lived far away, surrounded by mist and prophecy, and sent word only when the kingdom’s safety depended on it. I imagined he’d forgotten we even existed.

“Lady Elora Dorne, Your Highness,” came the final voice, barely a whisper.

Some girls snickered. I saw Elora shrink into her seat.

Cassian, to his credit, stepped in immediately. “Ah yes, Lady Elora. I had the great pleasure of meeting you at the welcoming ball. What a lovely conversation we had.”

The laughter stopped. Elora smiled, her cheeks pink with relief.

“Well, I must say, it’s a pleasure to meet you all,” he said. “Now that we’re properly acquainted, we can eat.”

I exhaled. At last.

We dug into the food, roasted meats, fresh bread, golden potatoes, but conversation buzzed on. Lady Cassandra Evernight, in a shimmering sapphire gown that fit her like a second skin, leaned forward.

“Your Highness,” she said sweetly, “I’ve heard you’re quite the dragon rider. Perhaps one day you’ll allow us to see you ride your dragon up close.”

Cassian raised an eyebrow, amused. “And what makes you think I’d want an audience for that?”

Cassandra’s crimson lips curved. “Perhaps I’m curious to see if the rumours about you are true.”

Gasps fluttered down the table like falling rose petals.

What rumours? I’d heard plenty. That he rode shirtless, that he once jumped from a tower to land on his dragon mid-flight, and that he was a madman and a genius, depending on the hour.

“Rumours?” Cassian echoed, amused. “I’d be careful believing everything you hear, Lady Evernight.”

“Oh, I don’t believe everything,” she replied, gaze fixed on him. “Just the most interesting parts.”

He laughed, low and warm, and I looked away, suddenly annoyed.

He moved on, charming every girl with tailored compliments. He called Lenora’s principles “admirable” and complimented Vivienne’s “wit”, even though she’d just called the entire selection process outdated.

And then, his gaze found mine again.

“And you, Lady Lira,” he said, loud enough for the entire table to fall silent. “You’ve been quiet. Surely you have something to say? I hear the Vale family are blessed with the gift of vision. Tell us, have you managed to glimpse the future of this Dragon Queen Selection?”

Every pair of eyes turned to me.

And in that moment, I cursed every god who had ever lived.